762.94/400: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, August 5,
1939—10 p.m.
[Received August 5—2 p.m.]
[Received August 5—2 p.m.]
390. Our 388, August 4, 7 p.m.56
- 1.
- I heard today from two reliable sources that the army supported by a joint recommendation by the Japanese Ambassadors at Berlin and Rome are again vigorously pressing the Government for an alliance with Germany and Italy. My informants said that the Government is resolutely opposing the proposal and has staked its existence on the issue and that if the Government should fall the next Prime Minister would probably be General Araki57 although one informant made the statement that a strong effort would be made by his friends to bring forward General Ugaki.58
- 2.
- The Minister of the Navy referring to reports of this character during the course of a conversation which I had with him upon the subject said, “The demagogues are getting busy again with their propaganda.” He expressed confidence that this new effort of those he described as desperadoes would be fought off.
- 3.
- The city is today alive with rumors—that an attempt was made to assassinate Ikeda, former Minister of Finance, and a leading liberal; that the King of England has addressed a message to the Emperor recommending moderation of Japan’s attitude toward Great Britain; that military measures against the Soviet Union are to be taken in Saghalien and so on. Whatever element of truth that might be in them has undoubtedly been greatly exaggerated but the sudden currency of such sensational rumors is significant.
Dooman